Wanted to get some input on what maybe I should get in the way of new exhaust parts. Maybe even some of you are running some of the parts I need to choose between. I'm looking at buying new headers and mufflers from Red's. I'm running a pretty stock 272. I'm looking at moving from my current crossover set-up to a dual exhaust.

For headers, I have the choice between these or these. First, is the dual tube overkill given a stock engine? If so, do I go for the 1 3/4 or 2" monotube? Finally, again given the fact that it's a stock enging, is the metallic-ceramic coating really overkill? I mean we're basically talking the same price for the coating as the headers themselves, but truth be told I am keen to lower the temp a bit under the hood (not overheating now, but at stops I see the gauge rise a bit).

As for the mufflers, I'm trying to decide between the Porters and Smitty's. I've been told that the Porters have a bit of a deeper sound and are constructed with thicker steel, but they're also twice (almost 3 times) the price. Anyone running these....are they worth it?

Quite frankly I potentially like the idea of going with stock manifolds. However I don't want the hassle of getting old parts and then having to clean them up, etc.  At the same time I can't seem to find new manifolds anywhere.  My usual standbys like MAC's seem to have one, but not both left and right (what good is that?? )

Thanks for the insight on all this guys! I want to do this right, but I'm looking at about a $400 differential between the lowest priced options and the highest, and I'm not keen to throw money away that I kind of don't have!